The iPad seems to be the gateway to Apple's ecosystem, according to a new study. NPD Group has revealed that in the US, one in four iPad buyers own their first Apple device.

"Apple Ecosystem Study" also pointed out that Apple has found its way into a third of American households. This means that 37 million American homes own at least one Apple device.

Ben Arnold, director of industry analysis at NPD, has found that the new customers are attracted by Apple's tablet. "iPad sales are growing much faster than any other Apple product has this soon after launch. In fact, one-in-five Apple owner households has one- nearly equivalent to the number that own an Apple computer. This demonstrates the appeal of both the new form factor and Apple's app ecosystem", explains Ben Arnold.

The previous device that has attracted customers to Apple was the iPod. 67 per cent of Americans that are long time Apple fans, revealed that they own an iPod.

82 per cent of them have declared this was the first Apple device. Now, iPod's popularity has decreased significantly and the newcomers find iPhones and iPads far more enticing.

Source: NPD